Interlocking Concrete Pavers can help reduce urban heat islands (thermal difference between urban and rural areas), while also minimizing the impacts on microclimates and wildlife habitats. This is accomplished through increased albedo (a measure of solar radiation reflected from a surface) or using a pavement system with less than 50% imperviousness.

For permeable pavers with aggregate in the joints, pressure washing is not recommended, but vacuuming is an effective means of maintenance. For large sites, specialized vacuums are available; most small sites can be maintained with a heavy-duty shop vac. Some aggregate will be removed in the course of maintenance vacuuming and will need to be replaced properly. In the following video, participants took part in a live demonstration of a vacuum sweeper - revitalizing an 8 year old UNI-ECOLOC permeable pavement (PICP).